Negation is a key part of language. It helps us show when something is missing or when we disagree with something.

In Spanish, making sentences negative is simple. You mainly just need the word “no.” Let’s check out how to make negations in your Spanish sentences!

Basic Structure of Negation

1. Where to Put "no":

   • In Spanish, you put "no" before the verb to show that the action is not happening.
   • Example:
     • Positive: Yo como manzanas. (I eat apples.)
     • Negative: Yo no como manzanas. (I do not eat apples.)

2. Keeping the Subject the Same:

   • The subject (who or what the sentence is about) stays the same in both positive and negative sentences.
   • Example:
     • Positive: Tú hablas español. (You speak Spanish.)
     • Negative: Tú no hablas español. (You do not speak Spanish.)

Using Other Negatives

Besides "no," Spanish also has other words to express different kinds of negation. Here are a few:

1. Nadie (nobody):

   • Example:
     • Nadie viene a la fiesta. (Nobody is coming to the party.)

2. Nada (nothing):

   • Example:
     • No tengo nada. (I have nothing.)

3. Nunca (never):

   • Example:
     • Nunca voy al cine. (I never go to the movies.)

Making Negative Questions

To ask negative questions in Spanish, you still put "no" before the verb.

1. Example of a Negative Question:
   • Positive: ¿Vas al parque? (Are you going to the park?)
   • Negative: ¿No vas al parque? (Are you not going to the park?)

Practice Sentences

Now let’s change these sentences from positive to negative:

1. Positive: Ella canta. (She sings.)

   • Negative: Ella no canta. (She does not sing.)

2. Positive: Nosotros jugamos fútbol. (We play soccer.)

   • Negative: Nosotros no jugamos fútbol. (We do not play soccer.)

3. Positive: Ellos estudian en la biblioteca. (They study in the library.)

   • Negative: Ellos no estudian en la biblioteca. (They do not study in the library.)

Short Paragraph Exercise

Try writing a short paragraph about your daily routine. Use at least three negations. For example:

Yo me levanto a las siete. (I wake up at seven.)
No desayuno porque tengo prisa. (I do not have breakfast because I am in a hurry.)
Después, no voy a la escuela, voy al trabajo. (Then, I do not go to school, I go to work.)

Conclusion

Learning how to use negation in Spanish is key for clear communication. Just remember to put "no" before the verb to make negative sentences. Practice using other negative words too! With this knowledge, you’ll be ready to ask simple questions and make negative statements as you keep learning Spanish.